Influence of the Substrate Type on the Surface Morphology of Cu2ZnSnSe4 Thin Films

Аннотация

Investigations into the influence of the substrate type (a glass substrate with a molybdenum sublayer, tantalum and molybdenum foils) on the surface morphology of Cu₂ZnSnSe₄ thin films obtained by selenization of electrochemically deposited and preliminary annealed metallic precursors are presented. Metal foils are attractive for use as substrates of solar cells in both ground and space objects due to their light weight, flexibility, and the possibility of using the commercial roll-to-roll technology of film fabrication, leading to a reduction in the cost. At different stages of Cu₂ZnSnSe₄ film preparation, their surface morphology is studied by atomic-force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy-dispersive spectrometry. The metal substrate morphology is demonstrated to have an insignificant effect on the surface morphology of Cu₂ZnSnSe₄ films, indicating that flexible-foil substrates are promising for the production of thin-film solar cells.